Flash flood warning for South County issued

Updated as of 8:57 p.m., Jan. 8, 2017 –

Uvas Creek overtopped its banks this evening, spilling south of the Gilroy Sports Park and flooding a section along both directions of U.S. Highway 101. As of approximately 8:50 p.m. Uvas Creek is receding near the
Highway 101.

U.S. Highway 101 has been closed in the southbound direction at 10th Street. Northbound has been closed at the Highway 25 connection.

The City of Gilroy has suggested voluntary evacuation in low-lying areas in the southern part of the city. Wheeler Auditorium is being used as an evacuation center, located on 270 W 6th St. For a list of evacuation suggestions and road closures click here.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the cities of Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy through 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8.

West Little Llagas Creek in Morgan Hill reached its capacity and began spilling over creek banks at approximately 1:37 p.m., causing flooding on Llagas Creek Drive through downtown Morgan Hill to Edmunson Avenue. Parts along Watsonville Road are reported to be flooded by as much as two feet of water. Morgan Hill Police Department issued a list of road closures posted to the city website.

Uvas Creek in Gilroy reached the flood warning stage this evening at approximately 5 p.m., and could overtop its banks. Areas impacted by potential flooding include neighborhoods south of Luchessa Avenue and areas east of Monterey Road and 101 Highway. Public safety officials are evaluating flooding concerns.

Because of previous storms in the season the hills in our region were already saturated, causing creek levels to rise quickly. The Santa Clara Valley Water District continues to monitor creek levels and provide public officials with reservoir and creek status updates.

Filled sandbags and materials to self-fill sandbags are available throughout the county. A map of locations with available sandbags is available at www.valleywater.org/sandbags/.